Symptoms of Thrush in Children and Adults

November 12, 2012

Thrush is the common name for Candida, a fungal infection that occurs in the mouth or in the genitals. Your doctor may call it a yeast infection, which is the same as a fungal infection. Infants are prone to symptoms of thrush in the mouth or the behind while adults can get thrush in the mouth, the genitals or on the breasts of nursing mothers. Both doctors and dentists can diagnose oral or mouth thrush while doctors, gynecologists or proctologists can diagnose thrush on other parts of the body. Symptoms of genital thrush are similar to other medical conditions such as urinary tract infections, bladder infections and some sexually transmitted diseases. In order to get the proper medications to treat your symptoms, you first need to get a proper diagnosis. Sometimes symptoms of thrush worsen into more serious problems if left untreated. Thrush in Infants Normally, strains of Candida fungus do not cause any problems in an infants mouth. Bacteria in the mouth help keep the Candida fungus population under control. But if something happens to the bacteria, then the Candida population skyrockets and thrush appears.

Nursing infants are prone to getting symptoms of thrush because they undergo many experiences which can change kill of the bacteria in their mouths. These can be due to needing to take medications; stress; or any illness which taxes the infants natural immune system. Symptoms of thrush in babies include:

White sores on the tongue, inner cheeks or mouth

Sores may easily bleed if touched

Diaper rash

Bleeding from the corners of the mouth

Increased irritability and reluctance to nurse

Thrush in Nursing Mothers Babies then pass the thrush on to their mothers. Symptoms of thrush in nursing mothers include:

Red or itchy nipples

Skin flaking or peeling around the nipples

Pain in breasts and nipples when the baby is not nursing

Stabbing pains in breasts

Mothers should not nurse their babies when they have thrush. Using equal parts white vinegar and hot water, clean bottles, breast pumps, pacifiers and nursing nipples in order to sterilize the equipment.

Oral Thrush in Adults Symptoms of oral thrush in adults are similar to those in babies. In addition to the characteristic white mouth sores and bleeding mouth, adults also can experience:

Difficulty swallowing

Difficulty tasting food

Fever

Constant sensation of cotton in the mouth

White sores that may appear like cottage cheese or yogurt

Patients diagnosed with thrush may need their esophagi checked for sores. People prone to getting thrush include smokers and denture-wearers. Genital Thrush Genital thrush occurs in both women and men. People diagnosed with thrush should get their partners treated for thrush, even if the partners are not showing any symptoms. Symptoms include: